Living Here


Hill City, South Dakota (www.hillcitysd.com) is the Heart of the Black Hills.  Staying and playing in Hill City puts you just minutes from five major attractions, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. We are truly located in the heart of the Black Hills.  In fact, savvy Black Hills travelers have discovered they can see and do more exciting things by turning Hill City into their Black Hills vacation headquarters.

Founded in 1877, the second oldest town in the Black Hills was originally named Hillyo by prospectors.  The town nearly died as quickly as it appeared when miners moved onto better gold prospects further north.  Today Hill City is finding its gold in its vibrant art scene.  Several world reclaimed artists make their home here and galleries along Main Street feature the work of a variety of artists and artisans.

In the summer time, events dominate the Main Street of Hill City starting with Art Extravaganza in May and Sculpture in the Hills in June. In July you can transform yourself into a lumber jack and join in the largest logging show in the area.  The warm days of August heats up and brings out the barbeque in all of us as some of the world’s best barbeque chefs gather in Hill City to try and claim a spot in the Jack Daniels World BBQ Championship.

If hiking or biking is included in your vacation plans do we have trails for you! From hiking the highest mountain in South Dakota and east of the Rockies, Harney Peak (7,244’) to hiking or biking two different trails that are both 100 plus miles in length. One of the top ten most beautiful trails in the world, the 109 Mickelson Trail runs right through the center of Hill City and is easily traveled by foot or bike. On the wilder side the 111 mile Centennial Trail is just a few minutes away and travels through one of the most outstanding wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, the Black Elk Wilderness.

When you’re done with your travels in the hills, Hill City has a lot to offer.  With numerous bed and breakfast establishments, campgrounds, hotel and motels you can put your feet up and relax but don’t relax to much as there is plenty to see and do in Hill City.  You can take a wine and brew tour to one our award winning wineries and micro-breweries or have breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of Hill City’s wonderful restaurants.

If you would like to relax and let someone else do the driving, try taking a ride on the 1880’s train for some fantastic scenery through the Black Hills. When you’re done with your ride, don’t forget to stop in at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum.  It will bring out the child in all of us.

Anyway you turn Hill City is the place you want to be.  Come and enjoy our small town atmosphere and find out for yourself that Hill City, it’s not just a place, it’s an experience.